Iraqi authorities say a female suicide bomber has blown herself up near a government compound north of Baghdad, killing at least 15 people and wounding 40 others.

The woman detonated her explosives vest in the Diyala province capital of Baquba Sunday, near a heavily guarded area that includes government offices and a courthouse.

Authorities say at least seven policemen were killed in the attack.

An increasing number of women have been carrying out suicide attacks in Iraq in recent months. The U.S. military says al-Qaida in Iraq has been recruiting women because it is easier for them to avoid security searches.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.